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German-B2: The certificate for German as a foreign language

German B2

German B2 as a foreign language is necessary for many people from abroad to find a job or study in Germany. For such proof, one can take an exam at recognized language institutes. If you pass the exam, you will receive a German B2 certificate. But what does the exam cover? What is the best way to prepare? And at which language institutes can I take my exam? We answer all these questions in the following article about the German B2 language certificate.

German B2

Relevant topics

These contents are relevant for the German B2 language certificate:

Author: Leon Pobuda

Position: Managing Director of Approbatio

Updated: 13.08.2021

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Language certificates

The German language certificate B2 is required for the German approbation. With the help of a language certificate it is confirmed that the foreign language is mastered on a certain level.  Since there are certificates and language diplomas for almost all foreign languages and in the most diverse versions, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was developed. Through the reference framework it is possible to compare the results achieved in language examinations with each other. There are 6 different levels of competence from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert).

Deutsch lernen

The best tips for learning German B2

As with pretty much any foreign language, you need to prepare properly when learning German. After all, with a good plan, learning German will be a breeze. Continue here to the page: Learn German B2: The best tips.

Deutsch B2 Sprachkurse

The best German B2 language courses

With the right preparation, you are guaranteed to get the German B2 language certificate! To help you make the right choice when looking for a suitable language school, we have summarized recommended courses: German B2 Language Courses.

Deutsch lernen

The best German B2 books

The best way to learn German as a foreign language is with the right books. Especially when preparing for the German B2 exam, books for exam preparation are a must! Click here to go to the page: German B2 Books.

Definition German-B2

At the level of German-B2 you can understand the main contents of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics. You can also understand technical discussions in your own area of specialization. You can communicate fluently and spontaneously, so that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side. Furthermore, you can express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, explain a point of view on a current issue, and state the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Which German-B2 language certificates are available?

There are several language certificates that confirm the German-B2 language level. For example, there are the following German-B2 certificates:

  • Goethe-Zertifikat
  • Telc B2
  • TestDaF
  • ÖSD

Exam contents German-B2

The exam for the German B2 certificate consists of four components: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Below we show the exam contents of the Goethe-B2-Zertifkat.

    h

    Reading

    In the exam you will read various texts such as forum posts, newspaper articles and magazines, as well as commentaries and regulations. The tasks will check whether you grasp main information, important details as well as points of view, opinions and rules.

    l

    Writing

    In the written section of the exam, you will express and justify your opinion in writing in a forum post on a current social issue. You will also write a formal message in a professional context.

    z

    Listening

    The third module tests listening comprehension. Here you will listen to interviews, lectures, conversations and statements from everyday life as well as from the radio. The tasks check whether you understand the main statements and important details.

    w

    Speaking

    To test your language skills, you will give a short presentation on a given topic and talk about it with your interlocutor. You will also exchange arguments in a discussion.

    German-B2: The duration of the exam

    The duration of the German B2 exam differs from examination institute to examination institute:

    GoetheTelcÖSDTestDaF
    Lesen65 Minuten90 Minuten90 Minuten60 Minuten
    Schreiben75 Minuten30 Minuten90 Minuten60 Minuten
    Hören45 Minuten20 Minuten30 Minuten40 Minuten
    Sprechen15 Minuten15 Minuten45 Minuten35 Minuten
    Gesamt200 Minuten155 Minuten255 Minuten195 Minuten

    German-B2 Requirements for the approbation

    A German B2 certificate is required for the application for the approbation in Germany. Depending on the federal state, the requirements for this language certificate differ. Some federal states (e.g. Hesse) accept language certificates only from certain language institutes. In many other federal states, the German-B2 exam can be taken at any recognized language institute:

    Anerkanntes SprachinstitutGoethe-InstuttelcÖSDTestDaF
    BW
    Bayern
    Berlin
    Brandenburg
    Bremen
    Hamburg
    Hessen
    Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
    Niedersachsen
    Nordrhein-Westfalen
    Rheinland-Pfalz
    Saarland
    Sachsen
    Sachsen-Anhalt
    Schleswig-Holstein
    Thüringen

    Leon Pobuda

    Managing Director of Approbatio
    Personnel Psychologist (M.Sc.)

    Mr. Pobuda studied psychology in Göttingen with a focus on personnel psychology and health and sports psychology. Within his scientific work he researches the leadership behavior of physicians. Mr. Pobuda’s main occupation is managing director of the personnel consultancy for physicians „Approbatio“.

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